Australia votes against Voice in historic referendum
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The news: Australians have overwhelmingly voted against the referendum for constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians though a Voice to Parliament.
The numbers: As of around 9pm AEDT on Saturday night, the result nationally was tracking at approximately 58-42% towards a No vote, with Western Australia yet to be counted. All of the other states were recording a No vote with the Australian Capital Territory the only jurisdiction likely registering a majority Yes vote.
The context: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised to hold the referendum in his election night victory speech last year, after the proposal was put forward by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017.
It was a bitterly fought campaign that lacked bipartisan support, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton campaigning against the proposal.
What they said: "I absolutely respect the decision of the Australian people and the democratic process that has delivered it. When we reflect on everything happening in the world today, we can all give thanks that here in Australia we make the big decisions peacefully and as equals - with one vote, one value," Albanese said.
The source: The AEC
